Procedures
Dental Bone Grafts
Dental Bone Grafts
The goal of bone grafting is to preserve and enhance your existing bone or to rebuild bone that you may have lost over your lifetime.
Dental bone grafting is a surgical procedure to rebuild jaw bone loss due to tooth loss, trauma, or periodontal disease.
It strengthens the bone for dental implants, improves oral health, and promotes natural bone regeneration. This procedure is essential when inadequate bone structure prevents restorative treatments like dental implants.
AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons offers dental bone grafting in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Show Low and Tempe, AZ.
Key Takeaway
A dental bone graft is a procedure designed to restore volume to the jawbone lost due to tooth loss, trauma, or disease. It strengthens the bone for dental implants, improves oral health, and supports natural bone regeneration.
Why Bone Grafting is Necessary
Bone grafting helps:
- Restore lost bone structure for dental implants.
- Support everyday activities like chewing and speaking.
- Improve facial structure and the appearance of your smile.
Dental bone grafts are often needed after tooth extractions, trauma, or when bone loss occurs due to gum disease or congenital defects. If you have delayed dental implant surgery after an extraction, a bone graft can prepare your jaw for successful implant placement.
Types of Bone Grafts
There are four main types of bone graft materials:
- Allograft: Human donor bone is processed to create a safe, natural matrix for bone formation. The human bone acts as a filler for your own bone to replace the allograft bone over time. Allografts are the most common type of dental bone graft.
- Autograft: A piece of bone tissue is taken from another part of your body (usually from your chin, knee, or hip) and transplanted into your mouth. Autografts are effective but may not be used if there isn’t enough healthy tissue in that area of your body to provide a sufficient amount of bone material.
- Xenograft: Bone from animals, typically bovine (cow) or porcine (pig), is used. These bone graft materials integrate well and have a low risk of rejection.
- Alloplast: A synthetic bone graft made from man-made materials, such as hydroxyapatite or tricalcium phosphate. These materials are considered biocompatible, which means they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction or rejection by your body. This type of graft is not typically used for dental implants.
At AZ Max, we commonly use a combination of allograft and xenograft materials to stimulate new bone growth.
Bone Grafting Techniques
Different techniques are used depending on the extent of bone loss and treatment goals:
- Ridge augmentation: A technique used to restore the alveolar ridge. Bone grafts are used to rebuild and reshape the bone tissue that may have been lost in that area.
- Socket preservation: A technique used immediately after a tooth extraction to preserve the ridge and socket of the extraction site. The bone graft material is placed into the empty socket after the tooth has been removed.
- Tunnel graft: Used to rebuild a narrow ridge for placement of dental implants. A vertical incision is made in the gum tissue near the site for implant placement, and a pocket is developed under the gum. The bone graft material is then used to fill the socket to grow the width of the bone.
- Block graft: This type of bone graft is used to rebuild areas of significant bone loss. An incision is made in the gum tissue, and a block of bone graft is secured with titanium screws in the site for implant placement.
- Sinus lift: A technique used when the sinus is so low that there is an insufficient vertical bone height for an implant. The surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue, makes a window in the sinus, and then lifts the sinus membrane to create a space for the bone graft material to be placed.
Candidates For Bone Grafts
Grafts are typically recommended for people who have experienced bone loss and have insufficient bone for implant placement. Below are the most common reasons why people experience bone loss.
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is a common dental condition that affects millions of people. Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar build up on your teeth. A build-up of tartar can eventually cause the gums to recede and expose the tooth roots, leading to further dental decay and loss of dental structure.
Aging
Bone loss in the jaw is common among older adults.
It can make the face appear sunken or gaunt, affecting the lips and facial muscles. Severe bone loss can also create challenges for dental implants.
Trauma
Dental trauma can occur due to an accident or sports injury.
Trauma to the teeth and jaw can result in dental bone loss that requires bone graft surgery to restore bone for the placement of dental implants.
The Procedure
- First, an incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone.
- Next, the dental bone graft material will be placed into the bony defect. The oral surgeon may use plates, screws, or other dental devices to hold the dental bone graft material in place.
- Finally, the incision in the gum tissue will be closed with sutures.
When performed by a surgeon at AZ Max, the procedure generally follows these steps.
Healing takes 3 to 6 months, allowing time for bone fusion and regeneration. Swelling, minor discomfort, and temporary facial swelling are normal.
Post-Operative Care
After surgery, it is essential to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your oral surgeon. Follow these tips to support a successful recovery:
- Rest and limit physical activity for the first week.
- Avoid hard foods and stick to soft foods.
- Do not press on the site with your fingers or tongue.
- Use prescribed pain relievers for discomfort.
- Maintain oral hygiene while avoiding the surgical site.
What Are The Risks?
While generally safe, bone grafting carries some risks:
- Infection: This can occur after surgery before the site is healed. Proper care reduces the risk.
- Nerve damage: Rare but may cause temporary numbness or tingling.
- Allergic reactions: Inform your surgeon of your medical history to avoid complications.
- Swelling and bruising: Expected but temporary.
- Bleeding: You may experience some minor bleeding after bone grafting.
Patients on bone density medications or with severe medical conditions should discuss alternative treatment options with their surgeon.
Restore Your Smile With AZ Max
Dental bone grafting has a success rate exceeding 95%, making it a reliable solution for restoring lost bone and preparing for dental implants.
If you have experienced bone loss and would like to discuss your options, talk to one of our surgeons about the benefits of this procedure.
With proper care and a personalized treatment plan, you can achieve a healthy, functional smile.
To learn more or to schedule a consultation at our oral surgery office in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Show Low or Tempe, call (480) 830-5866 or complete the online inquiry form.
